Sinergia
Sinergia promotes the interdisciplinary collaboration of two to four applicants who propose breakthrough research.
Interdisciplinary research is defined as research across disciplinary boundaries. In order to achieve the research objectives, it is necessary to integrate elements (theories, methods, concepts, etc.) from two or more disciplines. All disciplines are considered to be equally important.
Breakthrough research addresses important challenges and presents a novel approach. This type of research calls into question or goes beyond existing models, theories, doctrines, research approaches, methods, etc. It opens up new lines of research and has a high potential for impact in or beyond academia.
In collaborative research, the expertise and knowledge of the applicants is complementary. Their collaboration is essential to achieving the research goals and creates added value. Collaborative proposals that involve only one discipline or one main discipline supported by auxiliary disciplines should be submitted in SNSF project funding.
The SNSF has revised the Regulations on Sinergia grants in order to clarify the objectives of the funding scheme. As a result, it has adapted the wording of the two evaluation criteria relating to collaborative and potentially groundbreaking research.
Both the evaluation forms for evaluators and referees and the guidelines for applicants have been adapted accordingly.